Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up the ice against the Coyotes during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up the ice against the Coyotes during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Ilya Lyubushkin (46) turns against the defense of Maple Leafs' Tyler Ennis (63) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Ilya Lyubushkin (46) turns against the defense of Maple Leafs' Tyler Ennis (63) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' William Nylander (29) looks for teammates against a charging Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' William Nylander (29) looks for teammates against a charging Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up against Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up against Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up against Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up against Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Connor Brown (28) shoots against Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Connor Brown (28) shoots against Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) waits for a puck to drop during the first period against the Maple Leafs at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) waits for a puck to drop during the first period against the Maple Leafs at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Jordan Weal (10) skates toward goalie Darcy Kuemper (35) during the first period against the Maple Leafs at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Jordan Weal (10) skates toward goalie Darcy Kuemper (35) during the first period against the Maple Leafs at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) passes against the Coyotes' Lawson Crouse (67) and Niklas Hjalmarsson (4) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) passes against the Coyotes' Lawson Crouse (67) and Niklas Hjalmarsson (4) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up against Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up against Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) waits for a face off during the first period against the Coyotes at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) waits for a face off during the first period against the Coyotes at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) waits for a face off during the first period against the Coyotes at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) waits for a face off during the first period against the Coyotes at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up the ice against the Coyotes during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up the ice against the Coyotes during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' John Tavares shoots against Coyotes' goalie Darcy Kuemper (35) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' John Tavares shoots against Coyotes' goalie Darcy Kuemper (35) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) shoots against Coyotes' goalie Darcy Kuemper (35) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) shoots against Coyotes' goalie Darcy Kuemper (35) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Ilya Lyubushkin (46) skates up the ice against Maple Leafs' Connor Brown (28) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Ilya Lyubushkin (46) skates up the ice against Maple Leafs' Connor Brown (28) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Ilya Lyubushkin (46) skates up the ice against Maple Leafs' Connor Brown (28) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Ilya Lyubushkin (46) skates up the ice against Maple Leafs' Connor Brown (28) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up the ice against the Coyotes during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up the ice against the Coyotes during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up the ice against the Coyotes during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up the ice against the Coyotes during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) and Maple Leafs' Patrick Marleau (12) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) and Maple Leafs' Patrick Marleau (12) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Alex Galchenyuk (17) celebrates a goal with teammate Nick Cousins (25) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Alex Galchenyuk (17) celebrates a goal with teammate Nick Cousins (25) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Clayton Keller (9) skates against Maple Leafs' Mitchell Marner (16) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Clayton Keller (9) skates against Maple Leafs' Mitchell Marner (16) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Travis Dermott (23) knocks Coyotes' Nick Cousins to the ice as he attempts to make a pass during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Travis Dermott (23) knocks Coyotes' Nick Cousins to the ice as he attempts to make a pass during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Brad Richardson (15) shoots against Maple Leafs' Morgan Rielly (44) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Brad Richardson (15) shoots against Maple Leafs' Morgan Rielly (44) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Mitchell Marner (16) dives and knocks a puck loose from Coyotes' Derek Stepan (21) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Mitchell Marner (16) dives and knocks a puck loose from Coyotes' Derek Stepan (21) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Brad Richardson (15) and Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skate for a loose puck during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Brad Richardson (15) and Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skate for a loose puck during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Mitchell Marner (16) dives and knocks a puck loose from Coyotes' Derek Stepan (21) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Mitchell Marner (16) dives and knocks a puck loose from Coyotes' Derek Stepan (21) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Clayton Keller (9) skates against Maple Leafs' Zach Hyman (11) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Clayton Keller (9) skates against Maple Leafs' Zach Hyman (11) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Brad Richardson (15) and Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skate for a loose puck during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Brad Richardson (15) and Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skate for a loose puck during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Josh Archibald (45) celebrates his goal with teammates Derek Stepan (21) and Lawson Crouse (67) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Josh Archibald (45) celebrates his goal with teammates Derek Stepan (21) and Lawson Crouse (67) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Brad Richardson (15) skates against Maple Leafs' Nikita Zaitsev (22) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Brad Richardson (15) skates against Maple Leafs' Nikita Zaitsev (22) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Josh Archibald (45) celebrates his goal with teammates Derek Stepan (21) and Lawson Crouse (67) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Josh Archibald (45) celebrates his goal with teammates Derek Stepan (21) and Lawson Crouse (67) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Alex Galchenyuk (17) scores against Maple Leafs' goalie Frederik Anderson (31) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Alex Galchenyuk (17) scores against Maple Leafs' goalie Frederik Anderson (31) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Josh Archibald (45) celebrates his goal with teammates Derek Stepan (21) and Lawson Crouse (67) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Josh Archibald (45) celebrates his goal with teammates Derek Stepan (21) and Lawson Crouse (67) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) gets hit on the helmet by St. Louis Blues left wing Alexander Steen (20) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. The Blues won 4-0. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Ross D. Franklin, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) gets hit on the helmet by St. Louis Blues left wing Alexander Steen (20) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. The Blues won 4-0. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Ross D. Franklin, AP

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) gets hit on the helmet by St. Louis Blues left wing Alexander Steen (20) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. The Blues won 4-0. Ross D. Franklin, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) gets hit on the helmet by St. Louis Blues left wing Alexander Steen (20) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. The Blues won 4-0.
Ross D. Franklin, AP

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson (4) sends St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) to the ice during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Ross D. Franklin, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson (4) sends St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) to the ice during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Ross D. Franklin, AP

St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) makes a save on a shot by Arizona Coyotes center Clayton Keller (9) as Blues defenseman Robert Bortuzzo (41) and center Ryan O'Reilly (90) try to block the shot during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Ross D. Franklin, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) makes a save on a shot by Arizona Coyotes center Clayton Keller (9) as Blues defenseman Robert Bortuzzo (41) and center Ryan O'Reilly (90) try to block the shot during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Ross D. Franklin, AP

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) makes a save on a shot by St. Louis Blues left wing Pat Maroon (7) as Coyotes defenseman Kevin Connauton (44) applies pressure during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Ross D. Franklin, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) makes a save on a shot by St. Louis Blues left wing Pat Maroon (7) as Coyotes defenseman Kevin Connauton (44) applies pressure during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Ross D. Franklin, AP

St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) makes a save on a shot by Arizona Coyotes right wing Conor Garland (83) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Ross D. Franklin, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) makes a save on a shot by Arizona Coyotes right wing Conor Garland (83) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Ross D. Franklin, AP

St. Louis Blues defenseman Joel Edmundson (6) sends the puck past Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) for a goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Ross D. Franklin, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

St. Louis Blues defenseman Joel Edmundson (6) sends the puck past Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) for a goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Ross D. Franklin, AP

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) makes a save against the Arizona Coyotes during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas. John Locher/AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) makes a save against the Arizona Coyotes during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas.
John Locher/AP

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Kevin Connauton (44) vies for the puck with Vegas Golden Knights left wing Max Pacioretty (67) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) John Locher, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Kevin Connauton (44) vies for the puck with Vegas Golden Knights left wing Max Pacioretty (67) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
John Locher, AP

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) grabs a puck out of the air beside Vegas Golden Knights left wing Max Pacioretty (67) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) John Locher, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) grabs a puck out of the air beside Vegas Golden Knights left wing Max Pacioretty (67) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
John Locher, AP

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson (4) watches the puck after Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) made a save during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) John Locher, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson (4) watches the puck after Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) made a save during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
John Locher, AP

Arizona Coyotes center Alex Galchenyuk (17) slides into the net after scoring against Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) John Locher, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes center Alex Galchenyuk (17) slides into the net after scoring against Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
John Locher, AP

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) is scored on by the Arizona Coyotes during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) John Locher, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) is scored on by the Arizona Coyotes during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
John Locher, AP

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Kyle Capobianco reacts after getting checked during the third period of the team's NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Capobianco left the game.Columbus won 4-2. Rick Scuteri, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Kyle Capobianco reacts after getting checked during the third period of the team's NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Capobianco left the game.Columbus won 4-2.
Rick Scuteri, AP

Columbus Blue Jackets center Boone Jenner (38) scores a goal in front of Arizona Coyotes center Derek Stepan during the third period during an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Columbus won 4-2. Rick Scuteri, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Columbus Blue Jackets center Boone Jenner (38) scores a goal in front of Arizona Coyotes center Derek Stepan during the third period during an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Columbus won 4-2.
Rick Scuteri, AP

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jordan Oesterle (82) celebrates after scoring a goal in the second period during an NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Rick Scuteri, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jordan Oesterle (82) celebrates after scoring a goal in the second period during an NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Rick Scuteri, AP

Arizona Coyotes right wing Conor Garland (83) celebrates after scoring a goal in the second period during an NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Rick Scuteri, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes right wing Conor Garland (83) celebrates after scoring a goal in the second period during an NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Rick Scuteri, AP

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jordan Oesterle (82) scores a goal in the second period during an NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Rick Scuteri, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jordan Oesterle (82) scores a goal in the second period during an NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Rick Scuteri, AP

Dallas Stars center Radek Faksa (12) skates for the puck against Arizona Coyotes right wing Richard Panik (14) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Dallas, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. LM Otero/AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Dallas Stars center Radek Faksa (12) skates for the puck against Arizona Coyotes right wing Richard Panik (14) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Dallas, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019.
LM Otero/AP

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) celebrates his goal with teammates Nick Cousins (25) and Jordan Oesterle (82) during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars in Dallas, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. (AP Photo/LM Otero) LM Otero/AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) celebrates his goal with teammates Nick Cousins (25) and Jordan Oesterle (82) during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars in Dallas, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
LM Otero/AP

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper defends the goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars in Dallas, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. (AP Photo/LM Otero) LM Otero/AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper defends the goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars in Dallas, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
LM Otero/AP

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Alex Goligoski (33) and Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) vied for control of the puck during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Dallas, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. (AP Photo/LM Otero) LM Otero/AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Alex Goligoski (33) and Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) vied for control of the puck during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Dallas, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
LM Otero/AP

San Jose Sharks goaltender Martin Jones (31) blocks a shot from Arizona Coyotes center Alex Galchenyuk (17) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

San Jose Sharks goaltender Martin Jones (31) blocks a shot from Arizona Coyotes center Alex Galchenyuk (17) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019.
Tony Avelar, AP

San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski (8) scores a goal past Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper during the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski (8) scores a goal past Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper during the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019.
Tony Avelar, AP

Arizona Coyotes right wing Richard Panik (14) moves the puck past San Jose Sharks right wing Kevin Labanc (62) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes right wing Richard Panik (14) moves the puck past San Jose Sharks right wing Kevin Labanc (62) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019.
Tony Avelar, AP

Arizona Coyotes right wing Conor Garland (83) celebrates after scoring a goal against the San Jose Sharks during the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes right wing Conor Garland (83) celebrates after scoring a goal against the San Jose Sharks during the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019.
Tony Avelar, AP

San Jose Sharks right wing Timo Meier (28) chases after the puck against Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

San Jose Sharks right wing Timo Meier (28) chases after the puck against Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019.
Tony Avelar, AP

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) blocks a shot from San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski (8) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) blocks a shot from San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski (8) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019.
Tony Avelar, AP

San Jose Sharks right wing Timo Meier (28) moves the puck between Arizona Coyotes center Nick Cousins (25) and Alex Galchenyuk (17) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

San Jose Sharks right wing Timo Meier (28) moves the puck between Arizona Coyotes center Nick Cousins (25) and Alex Galchenyuk (17) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019.
Tony Avelar, AP

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Kevin Connauton (44) battles for the puck against San Jose Sharks right wing Joonas Donskoi (27) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Kevin Connauton (44) battles for the puck against San Jose Sharks right wing Joonas Donskoi (27) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019.
Tony Avelar, AP

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jordan Oesterle (82) is checked into the boards by San Jose Sharks right wing Barclay Goodrow (23) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jordan Oesterle (82) is checked into the boards by San Jose Sharks right wing Barclay Goodrow (23) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019.
Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes center Alex Galchenyuk (17) checks Montreal Canadiens defenseman Shea Weber (6) into the boards during the first period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019, in Montreal. Ryan Remiorz/AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes center Alex Galchenyuk (17) checks Montreal Canadiens defenseman Shea Weber (6) into the boards during the first period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019, in Montreal.
Ryan Remiorz/AP

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jordan Oesterle (82) is checked by Montreal Canadiens left wing Nicolas Deslauriers (20) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019, in Montreal. Ryan Remiorz/AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jordan Oesterle (82) is checked by Montreal Canadiens left wing Nicolas Deslauriers (20) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019, in Montreal.
Ryan Remiorz/AP

There are no breaks when you’re a backup goaltender. Even in the case of Coyotes’ No. 2 Darcy Kuemper, who has taken over for the injured Antti Raanta, the ability to accrue starts is more perilous than most realize.

Backup goaltenders will say that they never want to see their superiors come down with an injury, and while that’s true, there is still a part of them that is happy to get some extra playing time.

It’s almost an impossible situation. A goaltender goes from playing infrequently to picking up start after start after start until the No. 1 netminder returns. And in most cases, such as the one in which Kuemper finds himself, there is no safety net. However poorly or proficiently he performs, that goaltender is likely to make each start until his superior returns.

Kuemper has started seven straight games in relief of Raanta and has posted a 2-4-1 record to go along with a .900 save percentage over that span. While those numbers aren’t great, Kuemper has mixed in some excellent performances to somewhat balance out some lackluster starts.

“He’s played a lot of hockey and he’s facing a lot of shots,” Coyotes head coach Rick Tocchet said of Kuemper. “What I like about goaltenders is when they have a tough start is the next game. He’s bounced back after a tough start, and I love that in goalies. Good goalies have good mind-sets. They don’t have one bad game after another. He kind of stops it right away.”

Kuemper is familiar with his current situation. In his second year in the league, Kuemper went 16 straight games during the 2013-14 season and posted a 10-3-2 record to go along with a .927 save percentage and two shutouts.

“I’ve been through it before, so I know how to prepare for it,” Kuemper said. “It’s definitely easier to get in a rhythm when you’re playing every game. You’re relying less on practice because you’re getting a lot of repetitions in games. It’s just about keeping your body fresh and ready to go.

“(But) I’m not really thinking of the past. I’m just excited to play and trying to do my part every night to help our team win.”

Still, Kuemper has not made consistent starts since that stretch nearly five years ago. It’s been a while since he has been worked this much.

As a result, the Coyotes have been proactive in managing Kuemper’s health. Kuemper received a maintenance day on Friday, a practice day, before Saturday’s game against the Boston Bruins. Although that is not a norm for Coyotes goaltenders, Tocchet and his staff said they wanted to manage Kuemper with his increased workload.

However, the bottom line for Kuemper is that workload isn’t going to change until Raanta comes back, which could happen as soon as Wednesday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights but is far from a certainty.

Kuemper hasn’t performed poorly enough for the Coyotes to turn to Hunter Miska, Adin Hill or Merrick Madsen in net. But Kuemper also hasn’t performed well enough and, if Raanta ends up missing more time, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to imagine the Coyotes making a deep run on Kuemper’s back based on the past seven games.

Granted, Kuemper has been on a rather brutal run with some tough customers. He was forced to start back-to-back games on the road against the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals, two teams that have combined to capture the past three Stanley Cups. And in his past two games, he’s drawn the playoff-bound Nashville Predators and Bruins.

But there have also been some winnable games in there in which he did not perform up to par. He had a pair of mediocre outings against the Philadelphia Flyers and posted his worst start of the season against the lowly Detroit Red Wings.

Whether or not Kuemper has his good stuff, the common theme seems to be rebound control. Most of the bad goals allowed by Kuemper have come off rebounds of previous shot attempts not swallowed up.

As is the case with most goalies, the majority of Kuemper's goals are coming in close proximity to the net. But a hidden detail is that almost all of those net-front goals were off a rebound and/or previous shot attempt.

Tocchet often uses the phrase “big in the net” when describing a goaltender’s performance after a well-played game. When asked exactly what that meant in the context of Kuemper, Tocchet said it relates to his rebound control and positioning in the net.

“When Darcy is big and he’s swallowing rebounds, that’s when he’s at his best,” Tocchet said. “The puck goes from side to side, you look and there’s not much room for the shooter. When he’s aggressive that way, but not too much movement, that’s what I like about him.

“He just looks big. When he’s not sinking and he’s not flopping all over the place, I think he’s doing a nice job of swallowing pucks and being big in the net.”

Kuemper has done his job in weathering a flurry of starts unlike any he has seen in half a decade. Still, his experience in such situations is what will likely keep him afloat if Raanta continues to stay on the shelf.

“Being through a lot of things in the past and being in the league for a while now,” Kemper said. “You learn that every game is not your hill to die on. There’s always a tomorrow, so whether things are good or bad you’ve got to look forward to the next day and wake up with a clear head.”

Reinforcements ‘possible’ for Wednesday

Along with Raanta, injured defensemen Jakob Chychrun and Alex Goligoski are all possibilities to return for Wednesday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights, per Tocchet.

Both Raanta (lower body) and Chychrun (upper body) took part in Sunday’s practice at Gila River Arena but were only full participants for some of the skate. Goligoski did not practice but skated on his own Sunday, according to Tocchet.

At least some of the Coyotes’ injured players are scheduled to skate during the team’s off day on Monday in preparation for possible full practices on Tuesday. Each player’s respective progress will ultimately determine their status for Wednesday, but it’s nonetheless a good sign that all three players are skating.

“They all made strides in the last couple days with no setbacks,” Tocchet said. “… At this point, I would say it could be possible (for a Wednesday return) but we’ll leave it at that and see where it goes.”